Art of Aging: Housing for LGBT seniors

In the home of the Liberty Bell, the John C. Anderson Apartments offer Lesbian, Gay, Bi and transgender seniors affordable housing and freedoms that they haven't always experienced. Property Manager Keicia Hilliard says, "These seniors are pioneers, they need to have a safe place that they can call home. A place where they can be themselves 24 hours a day."

With 56 one bedroom units in the heart of Philadelphia's Gayborhood, the complex is about remembering the past but celebrating the present.

Resident, Deirdre McLaurin said, "We get each other. You know what I mean, it just makes you breathe, have a calm moment all the time. I love it."

Another resident, Bill Lowden said, "I am told that I smile now and I didn't always smile a lot so this is, I think for me, a very pleasant change."

The John C. Anderson Apartments is a joint partnership between the dmhFund and Pennrose Properties. The 6 story apartment building is the first of its kind.

Mark Segal, the Publisher of Philadelphia Gay News said, "The only opposition that occurred was that nobody believed it was possible. Now they're truly living in a building that's not only a community, but a family."

"I'm glad I lived long enough to see this happen," added resident, Sidney N. Meyers.